Technician - Materials Development and Testing (Neutron)

About Rocket Lab and Neutron Program

Rocket Lab is an integrated space tech company that designs and produces rockets, spacecraft, and vital subsystems that sustain global connectivity and security while advancing human exploration to the Moon, Mars, and further. The company emphasizes quick development cycles and mission-critical hardware manufacturing to routinely accomplish what was once considered impossible.

The Neutron rocket is a medium-lift launch vehicle designed to transport large satellite constellations, critical payloads, and human crews. Emphasizing reusability, it aims to offer a low-cost, dependable launch service building on the experience of Rocket Lab's Electron program. Joining this team means contributing to pioneering a reusable liquid-fueled launch vehicle.

Role Overview

As a technician in the Materials Development and Testing division for Neutron, you will perform rigorous tests on metal and composite materials that guarantee the reliability of rockets before space deployment. Your work will involve sample preparation, testing to international standards, data documentation, and collaboration with engineers to develop specialized testing protocols.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Cut, machine, and prepare composite and metal specimens using diamond saws, CNC milling tools, and surface preparation equipment to meet standards like ASTM D3039 and E8.
• Assemble test articles made from composites, metals, textiles, and insulation materials intended for mechanical and thermal evaluations.
• Install instrumentation such as strain gauges, extensometers, thermocouples, and resistance temperature detectors on samples.
• Use appropriate adhesives and curing methods to bond specimens and assemble fixtures including lap shear and fracture toughness setups.
• Condition test specimens in environmental chambers in accordance with testing protocols.
• Conduct various mechanical, thermal, and environmental tests using both commercial and in-house development equipment.
• Maintain detailed documentation of specimen geometry, fiber orientation, batch numbers, and processing details to ensure full traceability.
• Work closely with development engineering teams to design and implement customized test methods for non-standard material characterizations.

Qualifications and Experience Required

• Associate degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a similar discipline; alternatively, a high school qualification combined with at least three years of pertinent technical experience.
• Minimum of two years working in a materials testing laboratory or analogous setting.
• Practical experience in preparing and testing composite materials.
• Proficiency operating universal testing machines, data acquisition systems, and precision measurement devices.
• Knowledge of ASTM test standards such as D3039, D3410, D790, E8, and understanding of composite material structures and modes of failure.
• Experience with post-test data processing using software tools like Python or Matlab.
• Proven ability to support engineering test campaigns relating to design, manufacturing, or development initiatives.

Preferred Additional Skills and Certifications

• Background or experience in the aerospace or defense sectors.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or Materials Science.
• Familiarity with MIL-HDBK-17 and additional ASTM standards pertinent to composites.
• Understanding of advanced composite materials such as carbon fiber, aramid fibers, or prepreg systems.
• Certifications including AS9100, ISO 17025, Nadcap Materials Testing, adhesive bonding certifications, or training in statistical process control (SPC).
• Experience coordinating external third-party testing services.

Important Information

Candidates for US-based positions must comply with US Government export regulations, including ITAR, limiting eligibility to US citizens, permanent residents, or those with appropriate government authorization.

For New Zealand-based roles, pre-employment background checks including nationality validation are mandatory to meet international export control laws. Eligibility requires citizenship from approved countries including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the EU, Switzerland, NATO members, or others per ITAR guidance.

Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, prohibiting discrimination based on protected characteristics.